India’s Union FY27 Budget: A Pragmatic Blueprint That Prioritises Stability over Stimulus

February 9, 2026 7:47 AM UTC

India’s 2026–27 Union Budget opts for prudence over populism, targeting a fiscal deficit of 4.3% of GDP and boosting capital expenditure by 11.5%. The government shifts focus to services-led job creation, defence modernisation, and water infrastructure while trimming subsidies, while tax tweaks

RBI Holds Rates Steady as Growth Proves Durable

February 6, 2026 10:52 AM UTC

The Reserve Bank of India has opted for composure holding rates at 5.25% as it weighs past easing, a benign inflation profile, and the rupee’s fragility in volatile global conditions. This is a pause with options, not a pivot. 

India MPC Preview: Inflation Low, Rupee Lower: Why RBI May Keep Rates on Ice

February 3, 2026 6:36 AM UTC

The RBI is expected to hold rates at 5.25%, resisting pressure for further easing. With inflation near historic lows but the rupee under strain and private investment still muted, policy will focus on anchoring stability, managing liquidity, and allowing past cuts to percolate. Further accommodation

India–EU Tie-Up Redraws Trade Lines

January 27, 2026 5:40 AM UTC

The India–EU FTA is more than a trade deal, it is a strategic alignment, forged in an era of global fragmentation. It offers India stable access to a wealthy, rules-based market, while providing Europe a direct foothold in Asia’s growth engine. In a world of transactional superpowers, it appears

RBI Stresses Domestic Resilience as Global Volatility Mounts

January 26, 2026 4:51 PM UTC

The RBI’s latest review highlights a domestic economy operating with momentum and reform tailwinds, but increasingly exposed to global turbulence. Its bet is that deeper financial markets, strong demand, and a shift towards diversified trade can provide the resilience needed to stay on course. In

Rupee Volatility Tests RBI, But Buffers Remain Strong

January 16, 2026 1:12 PM UTC

India’s forex reserves are under pressure from capital outflows and rupee weakness, but the system remains resilient. The RBI has room to manage volatility, backed by strong reserve buffers. 

India CPI Review: December CPI Signals End of Disinflation Cycle

January 13, 2026 8:50 AM UTC

December’s CPI print reinforces that the inflation trough is behind us. While headline inflation remains below target, a sharp rebound in core driven by gold and jewellery could limit the RBI’s room for manoeuvre in early 2026. With a new CPI series incoming, the next few months will test the cr

India CPI Preview: Inflation Set to Rise in December

January 9, 2026 6:45 AM UTC

December’s CPI print is set to mark the end of India’s disinflation cycle. The RBI now has policy space, but the window may narrow fast as base effects fade and core inflation steadies. CPI is expected to trend up to 1.1% y/y in December. 

India Pushes for EU Trade Deal as US Tariff Pressures Mount

January 8, 2026 6:33 PM UTC

As US tariffs bite, India is hedging its bets, fast-tracking the EU deal to anchor exports in a more predictable trade orbit and signal it's no longer playing by Washington’s rules alone.

Reciprocal Tariffs: Supreme Court Ruling and The Aftermath

January 8, 2026 8:05 AM UTC

·        A Supreme Court ruling, partially or in full against reciprocal tariffs, would not produce a major slowdown in U.S. inflation or boost to growth, as the Trump administration would be full of threats for replacement tariffs – Trump would be worried about the loss of negotiating pow

Markets 2026

January 6, 2026 9:58 AM UTC

•    For financial markets, the muddle through for global economics and policy provides support for risk assets, combined with solid earnings prospects from some of the magnificent 7.  However, U.S. equities are once again significantly overvalued and we look for a 5-10% correction in 2026, b

December Outlook: Turbulent Times

January 2, 2026 8:10 AM UTC

Our December Outlook is now published and please see all our economic and policy chapters below.  

December Outlook: Turbulent Times

December 22, 2025 8:10 AM UTC

Our December Outlook is now published and please see all our economic and policy chapters below.  

EM FX Outlook: High Real Yields Still Help

December 18, 2025 12:14 PM UTC

•    EM currency 2026 prospects come against a backdrop of a further but slower USD depreciation against DM currencies, but inflation differentials, domestic central bank policy and politics also matter.  We forecast the Mexican Peso (MXN) will likely be more volatile, as President Donald Tru

Outlook Overview: Turbulent Times

December 17, 2025 7:44 AM UTC

·        The U.S. slowdown remains in focus as the lagged effects of President Trump’s tariff increases continues to feedthrough, though our baseline is for a 2026 soft-landing.  The Supreme court will likely rule against part of Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, which will create short-term

Asia/Pacific (ex-China/Japan) Outlook: Managing Slower Growth Without Losing the Cycle

December 16, 2025 2:43 PM UTC

·       Asia’s 2026 growth is normalizing, not weakening, though the growth outlook reflects resilience under mounting strain rather than acceleration. Larger investment-led economies such as India and Malaysia are sustaining momentum through public capex, infrastructure pipelines, and indu

Equities Outlook: Choppy Up For 2026 and Down for 2027?

December 12, 2025 8:05 AM UTC

·        The U.S. equity market is underpinned by the bullish AI/tech story and a soft economic landing into 2026.  However, overvaluation is clear and this leaves the market vulnerable to a 5-10% correction on moderate bad news e.g. economic data.  We see the S&P500 having a choppy year a

Americas First: New National Security Strategy

December 9, 2025 8:40 AM UTC

·       The new NSS at one level reads like a Trump/MAGA current list of topics and desires, that may not translate into policy or a major shift of military assets.  Trump has blown hot and cold on Europe and China over the past 12 months and could shift again.  Nevertheless, the NSS does r

RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Hits Record Lows

December 5, 2025 4:28 PM UTC

The RBI’s December cut marks a decisive shift toward pro-growth policy at a moment of exceptionally low inflation. With the economy outperforming and price pressures collapsing, the central bank is signalling confidence—but the trajectory of the rupee and the uncertainty of US trade policy remai

Asia Country Risk Ratings

December 3, 2025 11:00 AM UTC

We provide country risk reviews for Asia countries including China, India, Indonesia, Taiwan and Phillipines.  

India GDP Review: India’s Economy Surges 8.2% in Q2

December 1, 2025 7:43 AM UTC

India’s GDP grew 8.2% in Q2 FY26, far exceeding market and RBI expectations and marking its strongest performance in six quarters. The expansion was powered by manufacturing, services and a sharp rebound in consumption, amplified by a favourable deflator and GST rate cuts. With first-half growth n

U.S. Asset Inflows After April’s Trump Tariffs

November 21, 2025 8:00 AM UTC

·       Net foreign portfolio inflows have not been hurt by Trump’s April tariff drama, with the AI and tech boom attracting new equity inflows.  Flows could become more volatile with a U.S. equity bear market or recession, but these are modest risk alternative scenarios rather than high r

Markets 2026

November 18, 2025 10:30 AM UTC

·        The Fed, ECB and BOE will likely drive further 10-2yr government bond yield curve steepening, with 10yr Bund yields rising due to ECB QT and German fiscal expansion. 10yr JGB yields are set to surge through 2%, as BOJ QT remains excessive and underestimated.  The BOJ could partiall

India CPI Review: Inflation Cools to Historic Lows

November 17, 2025 8:04 AM UTC

India’s October inflation print confirms a rare moment of macro alignment—low inflation, solid growth, and room for monetary easing. The RBI now faces a high-conviction window to cut rates in December, but must stay vigilant against creeping food price risks as FY26 progresses.

India’s Fiscal Deficit Swells, Yet 4.4% Target Still Within Reach

November 7, 2025 7:30 PM UTC

India’s fiscal performance in H1 reflects a calculated front-loading of capex to support growth, while record non-tax revenues offer a buffer. Execution risks remain in H2, but the government appears confident in meeting its 4.4% deficit target without derailing market or reform momentum.

India CPI Preview: Disinflation Deepens: October CPI Forecast at 1.1%

November 7, 2025 5:43 PM UTC

We forecast October CPI at 1.1% yr/yr, with risks tilted to the downside. The disinflationary trend is broad-based, but unlikely to last into early 2026. RBI still has room to cut, but may prefer to assess the durability of food price softness before moving

U.S./China Trade Framework: Avoiding Escalation

October 31, 2025 7:48 AM UTC

·         The U.S./China framework deal avoids renewed escalation of trade tension, but is unlikely to be followed by a comprehensive trade deal in 2026 as China does not want major import and bilateral trade commitments.  The economic effects will likely be small and the deal main aim app

Breakthrough in Sight: India and US Move Towards Bilateral Trade Agreement

October 30, 2025 6:05 AM UTC

The India–US trade deal now seems within reach after months of deadlock, with both sides signalling convergence on major issues. For Indian exporters, particularly in textiles, marine products, and engineering goods, the removal of US tariffs would provide a timely boost amid global demand uncerta

India’s Core Sector Growth Slows to 3%: Infrastructure Holds Firm, Energy Falters

October 28, 2025 6:14 AM UTC

India’s September core sector data encapsulates a pivotal juncture for the economy — resilient infrastructure activity offset by energy vulnerability. Slowing core output implies lower industrial output growth over Q2-FY26.

India Accelerates Mineral Diplomacy as Beijing Tightens Export Controls

October 17, 2025 7:31 AM UTC

China’s expanded export curbs on rare earths have pushed India to fast-track its critical minerals strategy — combining domestic stockpiles, new mining auctions, and global supply alliances. New Delhi’s plan hinges on building refining capacity and securing long-term deals in Latin America, Af

Oil, Tariffs, and Technology: Inside India–US Trade Negotiations

October 17, 2025 6:27 AM UTC

India and the US are nearing the first phase of a long-awaited Bilateral Trade Agreement, with negotiations in Washington focusing on tariffs, digital standards, and supply-chain resilience.Energy remains the flashpoint, as Washington’s 50% duties tied to India’s Russian oil imports complicate p

India CPI Review: CPI at Eight-Year Low: Disinflation Deepens, RBI Seen Easing in December

October 14, 2025 7:21 AM UTC

India’s retail inflation eased to 1.54% in September — the lowest in nearly eight years — driven by steep declines in food and fuel prices. With CPI now well below the RBI’s 2–6% tolerance band and GST cuts reinforcing disinflation, a December rate cut looks increasingly likely. Core infla

RBI Holds Rates, Balances Growth Optimism with Global Risks

October 2, 2025 6:09 AM UTC

The RBI held the repo rate at 5.5% in its October review, keeping policy neutral after 100 bps of cuts earlier this year. Inflation was sharply revised down to 2.6% in FY26, while growth was upgraded to 6.8%, reflecting resilient domestic demand. The decision reflects a strategy of stability—pausi

AI/Humanoid Robots and Disinflation?

October 1, 2025 9:40 AM UTC

·       Overall, a number of forces from the AI wave will impact inflation.  Power demand could push up power prices, but productivity enhancements and product innovation could be disinflationary like Information and Communications technology (ICT).  One other key uncertainty on a 1-5 year

Trump Tariffs: China, Mexico and Semiconductors

September 30, 2025 8:00 AM UTC

  ·       Our baseline (60% probability) remains that a U.S./China trade deal will be agreed in Q4/Q1 2026 and it is possible though unlikely that this could be announced at the Trump/Xi meeting at the October 31 APEC summit – China requests that the U.S. changes policy on Taiwan could slo

RBI Likely to Hold Rates, Watchful of Tariffs and Festive Demand

September 29, 2025 6:57 AM UTC

The RBI is expected to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.5% in its October review, pausing after three consecutive cuts earlier this year. With inflation undershooting and GST rationalisation set to push CPI lower, policymakers see little need for immediate action. The central bank will instead wait

September Outlook: Into 2026 -- Market Implications

September 26, 2025 9:00 AM UTC

Our September Outlook is now published and please see all our markets chapters below.  

September Outlook: Into 2026

September 25, 2025 6:20 AM UTC

Our September Outlook is now published and please see all our economic and policy chapters below.  

EM FX Outlook: USD Less in Favor, but EM Mixed

September 24, 2025 10:44 AM UTC

Asia/Pacific (ex-China/Japan) Outlook: Balancing Moderation with Resilience

September 23, 2025 11:22 AM UTC

·       Asia’s growth trajectory in 2026 reflects regional resilience under strain. Investment-led economies like India and Malaysia are sustaining momentum via infrastructure push, public capex, and digital industrial policy, while Indonesia’s outlook is clouded by fiscal recalibration a

Outlook Overview: Into 2026

September 23, 2025 8:25 AM UTC

·       The critical question is how much the U.S. economy is slowing down with the feedthrough of President Donald Trump’s tariffs to boost inflation and restrain GDP growth, with the effective rate currently around 17% on U.S. imports. Though semiconductor tariffs are likely, the bulk of

Equities Outlook: Correction Then Up In 2026

September 23, 2025 7:15 AM UTC

•    The U.S. equity market’s bullishness reflects good corporate earnings reality, buybacks and the AI story.  However, we feel that the U.S. economy can deteriorate still further in the coming months, as the lagged effects of tariffs boost inflation and restrain spending/hurt corporate ea

September 16, 2025 10:53 AM UTC

In the unexpected scenario of an early death, Putin and Xi have no clear successors, and any new Russia or China leader would have to spend time building domestic strength and compromising on external goals. Erdogan also has no clear successors, which could create political uncertainty. For Trump su

New GST Slabs to Boost Demand as India Faces 50% US Tariffs

September 8, 2025 6:45 AM UTC

India’s landmark GST 2.0 reform, effective 22 September 2025, simplifies slabs to 5% and 18%, with a 40% rate for sin goods. By easing prices on essentials and mid-market products, the move aims to boost demand and partially offset the drag from US tariffs of 50% on Indian exports. While household

Modi in China: Eurasian Diplomacy Meets US Tariff Tensions

September 8, 2025 6:02 AM UTC

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Tianjin for the SCO Summit underscored India’s pursuit of strategic autonomy—engaging China and Russia while reaffirming ties with the US. Publicly, India backed Eurasian financial and connectivity initiatives, while tactically reopening dialogue with Beijing. Fo

Asia Country Risk Ratings

September 4, 2025 10:00 AM UTC

We provide country risk reviews for Asia countries including China, India, Indonesia, Taiwan and Phillipines.  

India GDP Review: Public Spending and Services Lift India’s Growth to Five-Quarter High

September 2, 2025 6:45 AM UTC

India’s economy grew 7.8% y/y in Q1 FY25, beating expectations. Strong gains in construction, services, and agriculture underpinned the recovery, while private consumption and investment remained subdued. However, sustaining momentum in FY26 will hinge on broad-based demand and improving global co

Aging: Slow Growth for Some in 2020’s

September 1, 2025 8:35 AM UTC

   Population aging always seems to be beyond the market horizon, but the 2020’s are already seeing population aging in some countries.  What is the economic impact? Aging is already causing a peak in labor force in China and the EU. Meanwhile, the population pyramid also means less consumptio